Why does my Internet Explorer keep going to Microsoft Edge?
Internet Explorer, once the go-to web browser for millions of users, has been gradually phased out in favor of Microsoft Edge. However, some users have reported an unexpected issue where their Internet Explorer keeps redirecting to Microsoft Edge. This article aims to explore the reasons behind this problem and provide possible solutions to help you regain control of your web browsing experience.
1. Update Issues
One of the primary reasons for Internet Explorer redirecting to Microsoft Edge is an outdated browser. Microsoft has been pushing users to switch to Edge by making it the default browser in recent Windows updates. If your Internet Explorer is not up-to-date, it may be redirecting to Edge to encourage you to update your browser.
To resolve this issue, follow these steps:
a. Open Internet Explorer and click on the gear icon in the top-right corner to access the settings menu.
b. Select “About Internet Explorer.”
c. If an update is available, click “Update.” Once the update is complete, restart your computer and try browsing again.
2. Browser Settings
Another reason for the redirect could be browser settings. It’s possible that your Internet Explorer is configured to open certain websites in Edge instead of Internet Explorer.
To check and modify your browser settings, follow these steps:
a. Open Internet Explorer and click on the gear icon.
b. Select “Internet options.”
c. Go to the ” Programs ” tab.
d. Under “Default web browser,” click on “Make default.”
e. Select “Internet Explorer” from the list and click “OK.”
3. Third-party Applications
Sometimes, third-party applications or extensions can interfere with your browser settings and cause redirects. To determine if this is the case, try the following steps:
a. Temporarily disable all browser extensions and add-ons.
b. Restart your computer and try browsing again.
c. If the issue persists, enable your extensions one by one until you identify the culprit.
4. Windows Registry
Corrupted Windows registry entries can also lead to browser redirects. To fix this issue, you can try the following steps:
a. Press “Windows key + R” to open the Run dialog box.
b. Type “regedit” and press “Enter.”
c. Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
d. Look for the “Edge” key and delete it.
e. Restart your computer and try browsing again.
5. Reinstall Internet Explorer
If none of the above solutions work, you may need to reinstall Internet Explorer. To do this, follow these steps:
a. Press “Windows key + X” and select “Apps and Features.”
b. Scroll down and find “Internet Explorer.”
c. Click on “Uninstall” and follow the on-screen instructions to remove the browser.
d. Restart your computer and download the latest version of Internet Explorer from the official Microsoft website.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue of Internet Explorer redirecting to Microsoft Edge. If the problem persists, it may be worth seeking assistance from a professional or contacting Microsoft support for further guidance.